There is nothing particularly embarrassing about this vintage 1941 Santa Claus from the State Library of New South Wales (Australia) archives. Some have argued that he looks a little creepy, but I find him charming and quaint. The original black and white photograph was colorized by Okkama Colorizations, providing photo restoration and colorization services exclusively at The Psychogenealogist.

These next “Santas”, however, found themselves in some really embarrassing situations. We scoured the newspapers to find 15 times in history when “Santa Claus” ran afoul of traditional holiday cheer.

1. “Santa Claus’ Hard Luck” (1893)

I appreciate this Santa’s intent, though his execution leaves something to be desired.

2. Santa Claus Arrested for Blocking Traffic New York (1922)

And to think he didn’t even have his sleigh!

3. “Santa Claus Held For Intoxication” (1930)

Hopefully this prohibition era Santa was able to sober up and get back to work before Christmas.

4. “Santa Claus Runs Off Stage as His Pants Come Down” (1934)

Seems like Mrs. Claus could have gotten him some suspenders last year.

5. “Santa Embarrassed at Party for Women” (1939)

See #4.

6. “Santa’s Britches Slip” (1947)

Are you sensing a pattern here? And what about those guns?

7. “They All Laugher When Santa’s Pants Fell Down” (1949)

Okay now, this is just getting ridiculous.

8. “Santa Loses Pot And Chimney In Chicago” (1952)

I hope “pot” meant something different in 1952 than it does today. Perhaps a GPS is in order.

9. “Santas Arrested in Ohio” (1952)

Arrested for “soliciting funds without a permit”, these Santa’s, thankfully, got their paperwork in order and got back to work.

10. “Santa Dials Wrong Number” (1956)

It must be hard fitting those gloved stubby fingers into a rotary dial.

11. “Santa’s Out of Jail” (1958)

This little girl was relieved to hear that Christmas would proceed as scheduled.

12. “Santa Arrested, Broke 167-Year-Old Law” (1961)

Luckily the judge recognized the injustice of this arcane “blue law” about being employed on a Sunday and quickly sent Santa on his way to spread happiness and cheer.

13. “Santa Confused, Bars Second of Identical Twins” (1961)

This seems like an honest mistake! I am surprised it doesn’t happen more often. Perhaps dress them in different outfits next time?

14. “Glue-fingered Santa Arrested As Shoplifter” (1966)

I would be more than happy to leave a bottle of “corn and callous remover” for Santa instead of cookies. Or a gift card for a pedicure. There’s no need for petty theft.

15. “Santa Arrested for Panhandling” (1976)

I believe in Santa Claus, but as far as I am concerned this guy is a fraud!

Whatever time of year, we here at The Psychogenealogist wish you and your families the best of health and happiness! For some other Christmas related posts check these out!

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